Ceres La Salle, JP Voltes collide in final season match

Former champion Ceres La Salle FC and JP Voltes FC will clash in the final season match of United Football League at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, 5 p.m. today.

Japanese striker Takumi Uesato (right) is expected to lead JP Voltes FC against Ceres La Salle FC in the final season match of the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, 5 p.m. today. UFL MEDIA PHOTO

After failing to defend their title, the Bacolod City club is eyeing the second place trophy when they face the Japanese-reinforced squad.

Both teams are still entitled to grab the remaining ticket to next year’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup.
Ceres holds a record of 13 wins, two draws and three losses for a total of 41 points while Voltes carries a 12-2-4 win-draw-loss card, and is on the upper half of the league table.

During their last game, the Busmen beat their UFL Cup championship round tormentor Global FC, 5-0, on October 16.

On the other hand, JP Voltes cruised past Laos FC, 3-0, via default in their previous match after the latter’s failure to field a complete line-up last October 15.

Ceres La Salle was off to a dismal start in their attempt to win back-to-back titles with a loss against Loyola Meralco Sparks FC, 3-2, last April.

They again suffered setback at the start of the second round after losing to Green Archers United FC, 2-1.
Meanwhile, ex-second division team JP Voltes FC under playing coach Yu Hoshide posted impressive wins, including a 2-0 victory against Global FC last September.

Ceres is expected to rely on its Azkals members among them Filipino-German mid­fielder Stephan Schrock while Voltes will be banking on the prowess of prolific Japanese striker Takumi Uesato.

The awarding ceremony of the 2016 UFL season will also be held during the day, where Global will be officially crowned champions.